How do palatal extensions and brands affect the retention of custom-made mouthguards? An in vitro study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12903-025-05786-w
• Publication Date: 2025-03-17T14:59:56Z
• Authors: Zhe Sun; Ruitong Sun; Meng Zhang; Qingqiu Zhong; Minghao Huang; Xu Yan; Liye Shi; Jian Li
• Keywords: Affect

Retention performance is a prerequisite for the protective effect of custom-made mouthguards (MGs). The current study aimed to evaluate influence palatal extensions and brands on retention MGs provide theoretical basis designing comfortable MGs. Using an optimized fully dentate maxillary anatomical teaching model, two sports (Erkoflex (E) Supsmile (S)) were created, with each brand preparing three identical splints, resulting in total six groups (E18, E28, E38, S18, S28, S38) margin extending 8 mm past gingival margin. A testing machine applied constant vertical traction force group at speed 50 mm/min until complete dislocation occurred, recording peak stress value, tested 30 times. Subsequently, was uniformly trimmed by 2 edge, reducing 6, 4, 2, 0 mm, denoted as E1 (6, 0), E2 E3 S1 S2 S3 0). above experimental steps repeated obtain different extensions. length edge significantly affects MG (p < 0.001), longer edges higher forces. (S E) minimal; trend analysis indicates that 86.9% S can be explained extension, while E MGs, this figure 88.6%. Within limitations study, extension ranges its retention, yielding rates. Additionally, under constraints brand, splint does not contribute MG.